Brian: Threads to the End of the Earth

In 2022, my first year as WBS president, Sondra and I had been on a tour within Southern Africa announcing our 10,000,000 for Christ campaign. We wanted to challenge our brotherhood with how far the Gospel call could be sent. Our brothers and sisters within the developing world are key to our strength in being able to share Jesus with everyone! After a month on the road and multiple speaking engagements in several cities, we decided to take a few days off to see the wonders of God’s creation in the African bush. We took a bush plane to a remote area known for its beautiful wildlife.

We rented a small, one room chalet known as a rondavel, complete with a thatch roof. Several people from local villages traveled to this remote setting to hire out for basic services like laundry and cooking. After an exhausting and hot day of travel, we arrived at our rondavel and began unpacking our luggage from the vehicle. We had been traveling for so long that our clothes needed washing. Just then a lady was passing by our lodging. I asked, “Pardon me, do you know of a laundry nearby?” With a quiet and sweet disposition, she said that she hired out for laundry services and would be happy to help us.

Just then, she noticed my WBS blazer hanging in the back of our vehicle. Seeing my WBS lapel pin, she exclaimed, “That is the symbol for World Bible School!” Taken aback, I said, “Why yes, I happen to be the president of World Bible School.” She introduced herself as Sandra Mathebula. Then she proudly stated, “I am one of your students. In fact, I have just finished the Master Series and received my certificate of completion!” She was so excited about her achievement. We were all amazed at how the providence of God would bring us together in such an out-of-the-way place. With no postal service, Sandra had downloaded her Bible lessons on her cell phone with our WBS Lite App.

Over the next few days, Sandra would come and check on us and make sure we were in good health. We enjoyed so much getting to know one another. The day we were leaving, I asked Sondra to take this photo of me and Sandra. I had finished all of my Gospel meetings for this trip. And though my sermon notes were in my Bible, a WBS Study Edition Bible in Large Print, I just had to present it to Sandra as a parting gift.